School resumed after the holidays. I confirmed my scholarship to Ohio State while Mike confirmed his to FSU. I wanted a degree in engineering whereas Mike wanted a degree in business. His goal was to get an MBA, my goal was to eventually work for my grandfather.
"Jimmy, have you seen the new kid?"
"No, there are no new kids in my classes."
"He's in mine, I forgot you have all AP classes. I'll introduce you at lunchtime."
I was taking AP classes to provide a back up if I didn't get a football scholarship. I was blessed with some smarts, I use to read all of Brand's text books when I had finished my homework.
I joined Mike for lunch. After walking through the lunch line, Mike headed over to a table where a single boy sat. I guessed that this must be the new kid. "Richie, this is Jimmy my best friend."
I shook his hand looking into the bluest green eyes I have ever seen. They were hypnotic, I couldn't look away.
"Jimmy, you ok?"
"Yea, I just have never seen eyes that color before. They draw you in."
Richie just smiled. Evidently he had heard my comment before. Once I realized what I was doing, I looked at the boy sitting in front of me. He had blond hair and a pleasing face. Mike was more handsome, but Ritchie had a look that made you feel comfortable. I knew I wanted to get to know him better.
As our table was joined by our usual crowd, Richie became a part of our crowd. My friends were very open and welcomed every one. A few of them were a couple, a few were gay but at our table everyone was an individual who deserved respect. Mike was dating Linda and they were like two peas in a pod. What was going to happen after graduation was anyone's guess, Linda had already applied to a university in Pennsylvania. She wanted to be a nurse and the university had an outstanding nursing program.
Over the next few weeks I got to know Ritchie. His dad was a contractor and the firm he worked for sent him out on big jobs to supervise the construction. Ritchie said he moved about quite a lot after his mother died when he was 12. His goal was to get a degree in architecture.
I told him I was going to Ohio State and hoped to get a degree in electrical engineering. "I need to begin applying to schools. Why did you pick Ohio State?"
"There are several reasons, the engineering school is one of the top schools and my grandparents live close. I'm hoping to see them during Easter break. I want to get a feel for the campus."
I liked Ritchie, he was the same kind of friend that Mike was. I felt comfortable around him. Mike, Ritchie and I became very close.
"Mom, I'd like to go and spend Easter at Gramps. That would give me a chance to check out Ohio State."
"I think that would be a good idea. It has been almost a year since I saw my parents. We could drive up and spend a few days. I'll talk to your dad."
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